Shaping the Future of Medicine with Dr. Sharmila Makhija

This week on the Be Epic podcast, Brent sits down with Dr. Sharmila Makhija, the founding dean and CEO of the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Dr. Makhija shares her insights and experiences in establishing a medical school from scratch, highlighting the unique opportunity it presents. Listeners will learn about the school's innovative whole-health approach to its MD curriculum and partnerships with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Whole Health Institute. Later in the episode Dr. Makhija discusses her background, growing up in a family of educators, and her early passion for medicine. She recounts how her exposure to her grandfather's medical practice in India solidified her desire to become a doctor. Dr. Makhija also shares her journey through medical school and her chosen specialty, highlighting the value of being curious and continuously learning. The episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and rewards of building a medical school and the personal motivations that drive Dr. Makhija's commitment to healthcare.